Are Niefel Jarls too strong?

[Joonie73]

I realize that they are costly (500G), but their stats are outrageous. In fact, they are as powerful as some of the high-level summons (they have more hit points than an Arch-devil and are stronger as well). Should a unit that can be built this strong? They are practically demigods. In fact, they are stronger than many gods if you elevate one to prophet.

[apoger]

My first impression of them is that they are almost certain to be exploited as super combatants. They aren't the best chassis on which to build, but they are incredibly available.

[Treebeard]

I don't know yet if they are too cheap, but added a few magic itens they can do a lot of damage. I got one once with heroic HP bonus and he was my prophet - a 200 HP monster.

But still, a couple of mages can hit those guys really hard, so I don't know if it's wise to rely on them too much.

[Nerfix]

Curse, Horror Mark, Blindness, Paralysis, Spider Webs and huge masses of troops. There are many ways to kill or screw up a Niefel Jarl.

[Endoperez]

But they are mages, and could do something at your lab. They are useful, but they cost a lot. How much upkeep do they cost?
And, how useful they are as (combat) mages? They can cast quickness to themselves, and to others in late game, but what else?

I think they are good, but it might be better to use most of your income to buy normal Jotun commanders instead. They are sacred, lot cheaper, and can equip those items as well as your Niefel Jarl. But NF does have a better magic resistance. Complicated. And very, very interesting.

[Treebeard]

While true that normal jotun commanders are much cheaper (and pretty good impromptu SCs), they do not get the same benefit from such items.

The NJ benefits a lot from a better armor. Even a normal breast plate increase their protection by a good rate (which doesn't happen to the normal jotun commanders). Added an horror helmet they also send the opposition to a rout pretty quick.

But what's really devastating is the breath of winter, which really increases the chill effect. Dozen of enemy troops are frozen to death.

They get a very good protection, possibly regeneration (I don't see anyone using Jarls without nature 9), fear effect and area kill - and all that very early in the game.

Originally posted by Endoperez:
But they are mages, and could do something at your lab. They are useful, but they cost a lot. How much upkeep do they cost?
And, how useful they are as (combat) mages? They can cast quickness to themselves, and to others in late game, but what else?

I think they are good, but it might be better to use most of your income to buy normal Jotun commanders instead. They are sacred, lot cheaper, and can equip those items as well as your Niefel Jarl. But NF does have a better magic resistance. Complicated. And very, very interesting.